Operate Machinery

• Excavation specialists operate power machinery, such as powered-shovel, stripping-shovel, scraper loader or back-hoe to load and excavate material.
  
  

Ensure Safety

• Excavation operators must observe hand signals, grade stakes and other markings and follow all safety regulations and guidelines at all times.
  
  

Maintain Machinery

• Excavation operators repair machinery and replace parts, such as gears, bearings and bucket teeth to ensure proper function.
  
  

Measurement

• Excavation specialists measure and verify levels of rock or gravel, base and other excavated material in order to ensure quality of project execution.
  
  

Interaction

• Excavation specialists may be required to direct ground workers engaged in activities, such as moving stakes or markers, in order to keep the operation running smoothly. Supervisors provide written or oral instructions to move or excavate material to meet the needs of the construction project and complete all assignments on schedule.
  
  

Salary and Job Growth

• As of May 2008, the median hourly wages for excavation specialists were $16.93, and can range greatly based on location, experience and season, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The job outlook is good for excavation specialists and is predicted to remain about the same for the next 10 years, although there will be many job openings as workers retire or leave the industry.